How to Amend Phosphate Deficiency in Soil

Mix bone meal and compost into your soil to introduce phosphates naturally. As the bone meal and compost decompose, phosphates release into the soil that plants use. It is best to do this to correct the phosphate deficiency before planting, but this still helps plants flourish even when they've already rooted. Use smaller amounts initially and then add more as needed.

Test your soil using a soil testing kit from a garden store or greenhouse. The kit tells you if the soil is still deficient in phosphates or if the compost and bone meal were effective.

Add a phosphorous-rich fertilizer to the soil if the soil is still deficient. Follow the fertilizing instructions on the packaging to avoid using too much or too little.

Water the ground regularly to help the phosphates disperse throughout the soil so the roots take proper advantage of them.